Steve’s going batty

STEVE Parker is hoping to destroy the myths surrounding bats and educate people about the furry mammals.

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BURY'S own Batman is on a crusade to change people's perceptions of the furry flying mammals.

Steve Parker is trying to get the message across that people should not be afraid despite a rabid bat being found in Radcliffe.

Steve, 31, has been a member of the South Lancashire Bat Group for six years and voluntarily rescues and looks after bats found all over Greater Manchester.

He now hopes to educate people that many of the myths surrounding the shy creatures are not true at all.

He said: "Bats are not blind. It is true their main sense is hearing, but only because they usually come out to feed at night when it is dark.

"They don't live in belfries or graveyards, it's just that there is a supply of insects to feast on in those places.

"They don't suck people's blood and don't all have rabies despite what you may have heard."

The experience with the rabid bat was the only time he has found one with the disease. Steve was shocked when the test results came back positive in November 2003 after he rescued the bat.

He added: "It was a type of bat called a daubenton's, which are very rarely seen in these parts.

"The more common bats that roost in and around houses are pipistrelles and rabies has never been found in these, so people should not panic."

Steve receives calls and deals with around 200 bats a year, many in Prestwich, Radcliffe and Whitefield where they take advantage of the insects living in and around the many mill ponds.

He said: "When people see bats up close they realise all the things they've heard about them are not true.

"They are not harmful to property or bad for your health. In fact, they will help you out by clearing up 3,500 insects a day for food. People have no need to be afraid.

"The only time to worry is in the unlikely event it is showing signs of rabies - like flying during the day, an aversion to water or foaming at the mouth. This is very unlikely, so don't panic."

This is the most common time of year for bats to be seen because of the amount of insects around and the lighter nights.

Steve offers this advice for people who find any injured or dead bats: "Wear gloves and try and put it in a box so cats or other animals won't attack it. If you haven't got gloves scoop it up with a cloth.

"If that fails cover it with a box or plant pot to protect it. Then give us a call. Every call is dealt with or returned and if we feel it necessary we will come out to the bat.

Anyone wanting more information or discovers a bat should call the South Lancs Bat Group on: 0161 764 8850, or visit the groups website: www.slbg.org.uk.